Barcelona (Spain), Helmond (Netherlands), November 24th, 2016 – Applus IDIADA and TASS International today announced a global agreement to jointly design and manage next-generation test sites for connected and automated vehicles. With the combined expertise, both organisations now provide a complete solution for automated and connected driving test facilities.

The development of connected and automated vehicles requires new design and validation methodologies as well as new tools. Key requirements for these innovations include dedicated closed test environments where new technologies can be developed and validated before being deployed on public roads. As a result of this alliance, the automotive, the communication and the IT industries will benefit from the combined expertise of both companies.

Applus IDIADA offers the know-how in testing and development of connected and automated vehicles and more than 20 years’ experience in designing and managing proving grounds.

TASS International, with a long history on vehicle safety applications, provides the integrated tool suite that covers the development methodology for connected and automated vehicles from simulation to hardware validation.

One of the first projects in which both companies will be working together is at the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run, Ypsilanti Twp., Michigan (USA) which is a non-profit testing, education and product development facility for future mobility, designed to enable safe validation and self-certification of connected and automated vehicle technology, and to accelerate the development of voluntary standards.

‘This is a step forward in our strategy to become a global leading partner in supporting our customers in the challenges that the development of these new technologies are presenting’

-- Carles Grasas, CEO, Applus IDIADA

‘We are convinced that our joined strengths will benefit the global automotive industry and governments to accelerate the implementation of cooperative and highly automated driving vehicles, eventually leading up to homologation’

-- Jan van den Oetelaar, CEO, TASS International

‘The American Center for Mobility believes there has to be coordination between physical testing and simulation for automated vehicles and the collaboration between these two industry-leading companies embodies that coordination’ John Maddox, President and CEO, American Center for Mobility.

-- Jan van den Oetelaar, CEO, TASS International

TASS International

With over 10 years of history, TASS International offers the transport industry advanced simulation tools and development services to create safer and smarter vehicles. TASS International operates a purpose-built facility for the development, testing and validation of Intelligent Transport Systems and cooperative driving technologies in the Netherlands. Its software brands MADYMO, PreScan and Delft-Tyre are familiar names to OEMS and suppliers. Headquartered in the Netherlands, TASS International supports the global industry through local offices worldwide.